Burgenland

Learn more about Burgenland

Burgenland lies on the Hungarian border on the far east of Austria, and accounts or about a third of all Austrian wine output. It is mostly known for its reds and sweet white wines. It is one of the four broader regions in the Austrian wine appellation system- the others being Lower Austria (Nieder- Österreich), Steierland and Bergland Österreich (in western Austria).

In Neusiedlersee, the climate conditions in the Pannonian plains - hot, dry summers and cold winters - together with the temperature-regulating influence of the Neusiedlersee lake, bring about long ripening periods. High humidity and autumn fog aid in bringing about the noble Botrytis rot, which forms the basis of top quality sweet wines such as Beerenauslese (BA) and Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA).

The leading red grape variety in the broader region is Blaufränkisch, exude a mineral-based spicy flavour. Elegant and aromatic dry whites, mainly from the Pinot family, make their mark as well.

Roland Velich’s Reserve blends together Blaufrankisch fruit from diverse villages across the Mittelburgenland region of south-east Austria; a zone that used to be part of Hungary, lying on the bed of the ancient Pannonian sea, until 1921. Dense damson in colour, reminiscent of Italy’s Taurasi, while the density of fruit reminds one of northern Rhône Hermitage!

It has a profound yet refined, perfumed nose of blackberry leaf coulis, of sea-salt. The palate is similarly emphatic, full, incisive, yet incredibly refined. Brisk with tense, sour black cherry and (black) chocolate fruit, with a sapidity and structure that hints at Piedmont. While still young it warrants decanting at least an hour or two prior to serving, preferably with pork cutlets (and red cabbage). Austria’s noblest red grape as vinified by one of their most talented producers.David Berry Green

Only a few hundred cases were made by Roland of this 'Alte Reben' (Old Vine) wine from the Mittel Burgenland village of Lutzmannsburg; a hot spot for Blaufrankisch on account of its schistous soils.

The net effect is a richly succulent, full, decadent wine, more in the Bonnes Mare camp on account of its lush, velvety tones and lifted raspberry/brambly 'coulis' perfume, that's been sensitively aged in 1500 litre barrels. It's totally interwoven, compact with great poise and direction; a faithful interpretation of its provenance. Good for 10/15 years at least, but the ripenesss of the 2009 vintage makes it hard to resist now; best to try a bottle and see where you go from there!David Berry Green